Clinton Township man waives right to preliminary exam in two cases

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 54-year-old Joel Masching, of Clinton Township, waived his right to a Preliminary Exam in two cases out of the Warren District Court. 

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Masching was scheduled for two Preliminary Exams before Judge Michael Chupa in the 37th District Court in Warren, MI. At that hearing, Masching waived his right to both Preliminary Exams and was bound over to the Macomb County Circuit Court.

Masching is scheduled to be arraigned before Judge Anthony R. Servitto in the Macomb County Circuit Court on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

In the first case, Masching allegedly broke into a woman's home and assaulted her on January 11, 2026.

On January 16, he allegedly harassed her and fled a traffic stop, prompting a high-speed chase.

On January 18, he was located again and allegedly rammed a police vehicle, endangered an officer, and fled recklessly before crashing near I-94.

Police allegedly recovered multiple drugs and distribution materials from his vehicle, with additional substances found at a residence and business.

In regard to this case, Masching is facing the following charges:

Count 1: Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – Methamphetamine/ecstasy, a 20-year felony

Count 2: Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – Methamphetamine, a 20-year felony

Count 3: Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony

Count 4: Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony

Count 5: Home Invasion – 2^nd Degree, a 15-year felony

Count 6: Police Officer – Fleeing - Third Degree – Vehicle Code, a 5-year felony

Count 7: Police Officer – Fleeing - Fourth Degree – Vehicle Code, a 2-year felony

Count 8: Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing, a 2-year felony

Count 9: Domestic Violence – Second Offense Notice, a 1-year misdemeanor

Count 10: Habitual Offender, 2^nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor

In the second case, on November 26, 2025, a Warren police officer attempted to stop a speeding green Mercedes on Schoenherr. The driver allegedly fled, accelerating at high speeds with lights off, prompting the officer to end the pursuit.

It is alleged that the vehicle was registered to Masching, and it was later found in his garage. Phone records allegedly matched the route of the incident.

Masching is charged with the following related to this case:

Count 1: Police Officer – Fleeing - Fourth Degree – Vehicle Code, a 2-year felony

Count 2: Habitual Offender, 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor

“My office is committed to pursuing justice in this case and holding the defendant accountable. Protecting the safety of our community remains my top priority, and I will continue to take decisive action against conduct that puts the public at risk.,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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